The naming theme for Hyundai SUVs has typically been a city or place, and thus the new entry SUV name references a “place” people want to be seen in.
The Hyundai Motor Company recently introduced its brand-new Venue at the New York Motor Show in the United States and this small SUV is considered for local introduction, joining its larger siblings Kona, Creta, Tucson, and Santa Fe in the local SUV line-up of the Korean manufacturer.
The Venue – packed with a host of premium driver safety and convenience technologies – will be the smallest and most affordable Hyundai SUV when it arrives at dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year and Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, says the company plan to introduce it here, pending the completion of a business case study.
“The initial impression of the Venue is that of a seamless combination of style and versatility. It may be small in size but it is big on practicality and personality, and has a lovely bold character,” According to Anderson the Venue, to be built in the South Korean and Indian factories of Hyundai, offers a unique, entry-level vehicle for customers looking for smart design combined with practical and technologically advanced features.
The design of the Venue delivering a new interpretation of the signature design language of Hyundai with a solid side profile and strong character lines and full volume wheel arches. The cascading grille in front includes the new Hyundai signature face found on both the Kona and Santa Fe and includes composite LED lights and cube shape headlamps.
This unique character line continues through the tail lamps and according to Sang Yup Lee, executive vice president for design at the Hyundai Motor Group, the Venue may be smaller “but its unique and bold design sets it apart from the rest of the pack”. “There is a unique quality that will appeal to the individual tastes and preferences of the customer in a way that sets it apart from the other SUVs in our line-up,” he said.
The Venue, to be launched in India this month, will be available with a standard 60/40 split flat-folding back and advanced technologies to enhance driver confidence and convenience. Infotainment system features will include an eight-inch display audio touchscreen system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, app-based navigation, streaming audio, and voice-controlled search capabilities.
The cargo space with covering shelf has a dual level cargo floor for better flexibility and customers will appreciate the dual USB charging ports, a 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth hands-free phone. It will most likely be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine (89 kW/172 Nm, as used in the Kona), apparently paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine (62 kW/117 Nm) with a five-speed manual transmission, and possibly a 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine (66 kW/220 Nm).
So, how come the name Venue? Well, the naming theme for Hyundai SUVs has typically been a city or place, and thus the new entry SUV name references a “place” people want to be seen in. It embodies the characteristics of “the place to be”, while reaching the final desired destination, wherever that may be …
Text: Paul van Gass / Images: Hyundai South Africa
